History

Thomas Coulborn seated in the Gallery at Vesey Manor in the 1950s.

Vesey Manor was built c.1450 for Bishop Vesey, Bishop of Exeter under Henry VIII. The Manor functioned as a farm until 1896 when it was bought by Edward John Charles and converted into two dwellings. Thomas Coulborn & Sons, as the business has been known since the 1950s, was started in the mid-1930s by Thomas and Mary Coulborn. In the late 1930s they acquired Vesey Manor and established their antiques business which continues to this day. Thomas was succeeded in the business by his twin sons, Peter and Paul. In the 1970s, Paul moved away to establish his own cabinet-making business specialising in bespoke antique reproduction furniture from his workshop in Frampton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, while Peter remained and established a highly respected business specialising in 18th Century and Regency Antique Furniture. He was instrumental in the founding of the British International Antiques Fair at the NEC and served for many years as Chairman of the Furniture Vetting Committee. Although “almost retired” Peter remains a consulting partner and a great source of knowledge and advice to the business and its clients.

Thomas Coulborn in the Gallery with Peter and Paul, circa 1965

The Gallery at Vesey Manor in the 1950sA ‘Thomas Coulborn & Sons’ advert from 1974

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Photographs from the NEC Antique Fairs:

Peter Coulborn and his son Jonathan – with Viscountess Cobham – at the opening of one of the first of the NEC Antique Fairs in the early 1980s.

Peter and Alison Coulborn at the opening of one the NEC Antique Fairs in the 1980s with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Solihull.